How did I miss this post? Shame on me.
I will take MJ on the basis you were allowed to guard guys back then.
Lebron is incredible but he attempted 1700 more free throws than Kareem despite playing 100 less games. If you take points off FTs out of the equation Lebron would still be 580 points behind Kareem. Kareem played his entire career in the paint, I don't think he got fouled less than Lebron, in fact he probably got fouled more.
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Have you seen this Thinking Basketball video? The way officiating has changed is nuts, but I also think the amount of defense in Jordan's era is overstated as well.
The big difference isn't just that Kareem would have gotten more FT attempts today, he would have been called for many fewer offensive fouls. By that same token, many of LeBron's runaway train drives would have just been called charges in the 70's (probably travelling as well).
To me, this debate is more fun when we get really clear about how we're scoring it. I also think the debate about how to score it is more fun than the actual GOAT debate.
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I will check it out now since the Raps are down by 14.
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I promise that it's more interesting than your Raptors.
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Very good video.
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It really made me yearn for better officiating.
This season hasn't been as ridiculous, at least as far as I've seen, but I would love to see offensive players get called when they just heave their body into a defender.
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Agreed, officiating has been a bit better. It would also be great if players didn't cry for fouls after every play.
Raps only down 9 now. I will continue not paying attention.
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Stayed down 9
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My eye test tells me that it's Jordan over LeBron, but it depends on the criteria.
I'm confident that 5 LeBrons would beat 5 Jordans (or anyone else for that matter), so doesn't that mean he's the better basketball player?
Drop LeBron or Jordan onto any random team, who makes the team more better?
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LeBron all day. No slight against Jordan but I’ll take Lebron. He’s transcendent he can play in any era.
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